FEATURE ATEX EQUIPMENT IMPLEMENTING LONE WORKING SOLUTIONS


When it comes to implementing lone working solutions, organisations should keep one thing in mind - there is no “one size fits all” approach, as ANT Telecomexplains


A


n organisation looking to enhance the safety of its lone workers will find a range of


products on the market. But which is most effective in providing protection for its workforce? This is not necessarily as straightforward as it might seem. The effective adoption of a lone working solution will depend not only on the solution itself, but on whether it has been designed to address an organisation’s specific set of challenges and whether the staff who will rely on it have been effectively trained in its use. No two companies are the same and each will


have a unique set of criteria. A one-size-fits-all solution might seem attractive for those looking for a cheap and easy option, but if it fails to address the issue at hand, it is likely it will be under utilised and the original challenges will remain. Lone workers operate in a variety of ways and it is important that solutions are tailored to fit their specific needs. How the solution is implemented will drastically


affect whether it is utilised effectively. There are a myriad of ways in which a solution may need to be adjusted during the initial planning phase. There may be network coverage blackspots to consider, particularly noisy areas of the site that may affect audible alarms, or times of the day where there is only a skeleton team on site. All these elements and more must be considered for the solution to fully accommodate workers’ day to day roles and responsibilities. Finally, it is vital that the staff who will rely on


the solution are effectively trained in its uses. This key point is often overlooked. You can design and implement a solution that perfectly fits your operating needs, but if your staff are not on board with using it, their device will sit untouched in a drawer. All too often decisions are made at a high level without considering the training needs of the people who will be using the solution on a day to day basis. Employing an expert in addressing lone workers’


varied safety challenges is one way to help ensure the solution fits the need. Working with a provider who understands the market range of solutions and who has the knowledge and capability to


Beacon gains IECEx certification


BEKA associates‘ BA386 intrinsically safe LED flashing beacon now has IECEx certification in addition to its original ATEX and FM approvals. Industry proven and available with a red, amber, green, blue or white output, the beacon produces two bright double flashes per second. It is housed in an IP66 enclosure that may be installed in all Zones and used with most hazardous industrial gases. The BA386 beacon may be used alone, or in conjunction


with a BEKA BR385 intrinsically safe sounder. The high efficiency of the BA386 enables the beacon and the sounder to be powered from the same Zener barrier or galvanic isolator, which reduces purchase and installation costs. The beacon incorporates an alarm accept function


enabling an operator to silence the associated sounder for a pre-set time by operating an external push button, but leave the beacon flashing at twice its normal rate. If the alarm is not cleared, the sounder will be reactivated at the end of the silence time. The sounder silence time may be pre-set for between one and 30 minutes by an internal control. www.beka.co.uk


14 WINTER 2019 | INDUSTRIAL COMPLIANCE


adjust them to fit with what is required will ensure that it is implemented effectively. Some providers not only offer bespoke solutions which are implemented by a team of experts, they also offer staff training. To be effective, this partner should have intimate knowledge of lone working market products and how these can be effectively deployed to provide maximum benefit. Working with a provider who is not only an expert in the field, but also understands the importance of effective implementation and staff training will ensure success.


ANT Telecom www.anttelecom.co.uk/industrial Current Brexit status for UK ATEX notified bodies


The EU has adopted a decision to extend the deadline for Brexit to 31st January 2020, although the withdrawal can take place earlier – on 1 December 2019 or 1 January 2020, if the withdrawal agreement is ratified by both parties which would then put us in a two year transition (so everything would remain as it is with ATEX for at least two years). Although the UKCA Mark may still happen (it is assumed that this will be


determined within the transition period), we are not currently permitted to issue this mark or Certificates as a UKCA Body. Status of Notified Bodies in the EU27: UK Notified Bodies will retain their current


status during the extension period. They will not be converted to become UK Approved Bodies unless we leave the EU without a deal on 31 January 2020. Conformity assessment activity undertaken by UK Notified Bodies in relation to EU New Approach legislation and CE marking will continue to be recognised by the EU27 throughout this time. Certificates of Conformity: Certificates of conformity issued by UK Notified Bodies for


relevant products will continue to be recognised by the EU27 during the extension period. CE Marking: Throughout the extension period, the UK will continue to recognise the


CE marking, which should continue to be affixed to goods for placement on the market. UKCA Mark: As a result of the Brexit extension, the UK Government did not introduce


the UKCA mark on 31st October – during the extension period the UKCA will therefore have no legal status and, where relevant, goods should continue to be CE marked. NANDO: UK Notified Bodies will continue to be listed on the EU’s NANDO


database during the extension period. The new UK replacement for NANDO will not go live unless we leave without a deal. ExVeritas is committed to ensuring that its customers will not be disadvantaged by


Brexit and continues to offer the guarantee that any current ExVeritas ATEX Notified Body Certificate will remain valid either in the UK or through its EU27 Notified Body in Denmark. www.exveritas.com


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